JP3830580B2 - File management method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a file management method.And its deviceIn particular, it is suitable for application to an electronic file device, a video conference device having a file storage function, various media data can be stored as a file, and a multimedia communication terminal device that transmits and receives these files. File management methodAnd its deviceIt is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In conventional word processors, electronic file devices, and devices that generate and save files such as personal computers and workstations, the file name registered by the user is the same as other files in the directory where the file is saved. The file name could not be set.
[0003]
  In general-purpose computers such as personal computers and workstations, the user creates a new directory with a hierarchical structure and systematically manages the files, so that there are many identical or similar file names in one file system. Is possible.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in a word processor or an electronic file device, a directory in which a user can save a file does not have a hierarchical structure, and the number thereof is limited. If there are no hierarchies in the directory where files are stored and the number of directories is limited, the file names of files in one directory will be similar as the number of files to be stored increases. Become more. Therefore, the user has to set the file name so as not to overlap with the existing file name, and it is difficult to set the file name as desired by the user. In this case, when searching for a file having a file name set by the user later, there are a number of similar file names, so that it takes a long time to search for a target file.
[0005]
  As one method for solving this problem, file attribute information such as a registrant name and a keyword is managed in association with a file name to improve file search efficiency. For example, in the “information search device” described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-151264, search efficiency is improved by searching for a corresponding document and page number using a search keyword.
[0006]
  However, even in such a case, a plurality of files having the same file name cannot exist in one directory, so that it is difficult to set a file name as desired by the user.
[0007]
  In addition, when registering a registrant name or keyword as file attribute information together with the file name when registering a new file, the registrant name and keyword are entered one character at a time. Also, there was a problem that the work was troublesome.
[0008]
  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve such problems, and a file management method capable of setting a file name as desired by a user using file attribute information.And its deviceIs intended to provide.
[0009]
  It is another object of the present invention to allow a user to easily read a target file even when there are a plurality of files having the same file name.
[0010]
  It is another object of the present invention to prevent the same file attribute information from being given to files having the same file name.
[0011]
  Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the registration operation of file attribute information and reduce the burden on the user.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 of the present application isConsists of non-hierarchical directoriesIn the file management method of a file system, a file name for a user registered by a user and a file name for a system used by the file system to perform a file operation are assigned to one file, and the file for the system The name assigns a unique file name to each file, while the user file name allows the same user file name to be registered for a plurality of files and the user file name. Is registered for a plurality of files, the file attribute information is used to identify the file, and the set of the file name for the user and the file attribute information input when the user newly registers the file is already If it is attached to another file, the file attribute information is changed to the user. It is obtained by the Suyo.
[0013]
  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 2 is the file management method according to claim 1, wherein the file name for the user selected for reading by the user is assigned to a plurality of files. In this case, the file attribute information of these files is displayed on the display, and the file is read by the user selecting one of them.
[0014]
  Claims3The invention described in claim 1 is the above-mentioned claim 1.Or claim 2If the file management method described has a function to register multiple user names and keywords, when registering the registrant name or keyword as file attribute information in a newly created file, the registrant name In a keyword input operation, an arbitrary one of a plurality of user names and keywords registered in advance using the registration function is selected and input.
[0015]
  On the other hand, the invention described in claim 4Consists of non-hierarchical directoriesIn the file management apparatus of a file system, a file name for a user registered by a user and a system file name used by the file system for performing file operations are assigned to one file, and the system file The name assigns a unique file name to each file, while the user file name allows the same user file name to be registered for a plurality of files and the user file name. Are registered for a plurality of files, the first means for identifying the file using the file attribute information, the file name for the user and the file attribute information input when the user newly registers the file, If a set of files is already attached to another file, the file attribute is assigned to the user. It is obtained by a second means for prompting a change in the information.
[0016]
  Furthermore, when the file name for the user selected for reading is assigned to a plurality of files, the file attribute information of these files is displayed on the display, A third means for reading a file by selecting one of the above is provided.
[0017]
  In addition, if there is a function to register multiple user names and keywords, when registering registrant names and keywords as file attribute information in a newly created file, input operation of registrant names and keywords 4 includes a fourth means for selecting and inputting an arbitrary one of a plurality of user names and keywords registered in advance using the registration function.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiments of the invention of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, as a device to which the file management method according to each invention of the present application is applied, real-time communication of voice, moving image, drawing data is executed, and voice, moving image, color still image, facsimile image, and drawn image are executed. A multimedia communication conferencing apparatus that can store a file as a file and also transmits and receives these files will be described as an example.
[0019]
  First, the system configuration of the apparatus is shown in FIG. This multimedia communication conference device includes a system bus 1, a system control unit 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, an encoding / decoding unit 5, a hard disk Interface (HD I / F) 6, hard disk device 7, communication control unit 8, handset 9, microphone 10, speaker 11, touch panel control unit 12, touch panel 13, LCD display control unit 14, LCD 15, moving image codec 16, television A camera 17, a CRT control unit 18, a CRT 19, a still image codec 20, a document camera 21, a scanner interface (I / F) 22, a scanner 23, a printer interface (I / F) 24, a printer 25, and the like are provided.
[0020]
  Each unit is connected via the system bus 1, and the system control unit 2 controls each unit of the apparatus according to a program in the ROM 3. The ROM 3 stores a control program for the apparatus, and the RAM 4 stores various data necessary for controlling the apparatus.
[0021]
  The encoding / decoding unit 5 encodes image data input from the scanner 23 into MH, MR, MMR, etc. used in facsimile communication, and decodes received image data.
[0022]
  The hard disk device 7 is connected to the system bus 1 via the hard disk interface 6 and accumulates various media files.
[0023]
  The communication control unit 8 is connected to a handset 9, a microphone 10, a speaker 11, and the like, and A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion and ITU-T (former CCITT) recommendation G.D. A speech codec that performs encoding such as 722; It includes a multiplex / separation control unit for various media data compliant with H.221, a D channel control unit that performs connection and disconnection of calls using the D channel, an ISDN interface, etc., and mainly handles the hardware part of communication control To do.
[0024]
  The touch panel control unit 12 detects a portion on the touch panel 13 where a dedicated pen tip has come into contact, and takes in the position information. The touch panel 13 is in close contact with the LCD 15. The LCD display control unit 14 controls the display screen of the LCD 15.
[0025]
  The moving image codec 16 performs A / D conversion on an analog NTSC (National Television System Committee) signal input from the television camera 17 and then NTSC / CIF (Common Intermediate Format) conversion. H.261 is encoded and passed to the communication control unit 8, and the encoded video data input from the communication control unit 8 is recommended H.264. Decoding specified by H.261 is performed, this is subjected to CIF / NTSC conversion, D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion, and output to the CRT display control unit 18. The moving image codec 16 performs encoding for storing moving image data input from the television camera 17 and A / D converted in the hard disk device 7. The encoded moving image data is decoded and displayed on the CRT 19 via the CRT display controller 18 after D / A conversion. As this moving image encoding method for storage, for example, a moving picture coding experts group (MPEG) method is used. The television camera 17 outputs the input video information to the moving image codec 16 as an NTSC signal.
[0026]
  The CRT display control unit 18 displays a moving image signal input from the moving image codec 16 or a still image signal input from the still image codec 20 on the CRT 19 and performs display screen division control and the like. The CRT 19 has an NTSC terminal and displays a signal output from the CRT display control unit 18.
[0027]
  The still image codec 20 performs A / D conversion on the NTSC signal input from the document camera 21, performs encoding according to the JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) method, and outputs the encoded signal to the communication control unit 8 or the hard disk device 7. In both cases, the encoded still image data input from the communication control unit 8 or the hard disk device 7 is decoded according to the JPEG method, and is D / A converted and output to the CRT display control unit 18. . The document camera 21 outputs the input still image information to the still image codec 20 as an NTSC signal.
[0028]
  The scanner 23 is connected to the system bus 1 via the scanner interface 22 and uses a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) to read a document line by line and output it as image data. The printer 25 is connected to the system bus 1 via the printer interface 24, and records and outputs image data and various reports on plain paper or the like for each page.
[0029]
  All the operation menus of this apparatus are displayed on the LCD 15, and when the operator points to the display area of the menu on the touch panel 13 using a dedicated pen, processing according to the menu is executed. Document image data and telewriting drawing data are also displayed on the LCD 15.
[0030]
  This apparatus is connected to the ISDN line via the communication control unit 8. In addition, this apparatus has a function of saving audio, moving images, color still images, facsimile images, and drawn images as files in the hard disk device 7. These various media files can be transmitted to a remote terminal by communication via an ISDN line. As an example of this communication method, an ITU-T recommendation T.30. There is a method defined in the 120 series. The protocol configuration of this communication protocol is shown in FIG. T. T. et al. 124 (conference control protocol) exchanges the application capabilities of the own terminal and the partner terminal under the control of the node controller, which is a software module, and determines a protocol for using a common application. In FIG. 126 (still image / drawing data control protocol), T.I. 127 (binary file transfer protocol); A conference using each protocol of 128 (audio / video control protocol) is set. The above-mentioned media files are T.264 Using the 127 binary file transfer protocol, the layer 5 multipoint communication protocol T.I. 125, layer 4 transport layer protocol X. 224 class 0, layer 3 network layer protocol SCF, layer 2 data link protocol Q.264. 922 and layer 1 H.264. Transmit to a remote terminal via 221MLP.
[0031]
  Next, the file management method of this embodiment will be described. Directories in which the user can save files do not have a hierarchical structure, and the number is limited. As the user directory, there are a directory corresponding to each medium for storing a file for each type of the medium, and a conference directory used during a communication conference. In addition, a predetermined number of directories that can be freely used by the user are prepared.
[0032]
  In a communication conference, a plurality of media files may be transmitted and received. In this case, a plurality of media files are mixed in one conference directory. The file is given a user file name registered by the user and a system file name used by the file system to generate, write, and read the file. These two file names are attributed to the file. It is registered in the management file along with the information.
[0033]
  One management file exists in one directory. The file attribute information registered in the management file includes media type, registrant name, keyword, and the like. For the system file name, the time information at the time of file registration is used as the file name so that a plurality of files having the same system file name do not exist in one directory. In addition to the time information, for example, a random number may be used.
[0034]
  First,BookRegistration operation in the embodiment(Corresponds to the first half of claim 1 and the first means of claim 4)Will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, a case where two files having the same user file name exist in the color still image directory will be described as an example.
[0035]
  First, it waits for a file registration operation (NO loop of decision 101). When the registration operation is performed, it waits for the input of a user file name, a registrant name, and a keyword (decision 101). YES → NO loop of decision 102). Here, it is assumed that the user A registers “design material 1” as the user file name and “new car X” as the keyword together with the registrant name in the color still image directory. Further, it is assumed that another user B registers “design material 1” as a user file name and “new car model Y” as a keyword together with a registrant name in the same directory (YES in determination 102). FIG. 4 shows user file names, system file names, media types, registrant names, and keywords registered in the management file in this case. Note that the system file name generated when registering the file uses the time information at that time as the file name, so that there are not multiple files with the same system file name in one directory (processing 103). Then, the user file name and system file name are added to the management file together with file attribute information such as media type, registrant name, and keyword (process 104). Note that the media type of the file is selected by the user at the start of the registration operation, so the media type is stored in the RAM 4 and registered in the management file at the time of registration execution.
[0036]
  As described above, since a file name for a user registered by a user and a file name for a system used by the file system for file generation, writing, reading, etc. are given to one file, a plurality of file names are given. The same user file name can be registered for a file. As a result, even if the file name for user input at the time of file registration is already registered in another file, there is no need to change the file name. In particular, when the number of files increases, the number of similar file names increases and the naming of file names becomes troublesome, but this troublesomeness can be eliminated.
[0037]
  next,BookRead operation of embodiment(Corresponding to the second means of claim 2 and claim 5)Will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0038]
  First, it waits for a file read (display) operation (NO loop of decision 201). When the read operation is performed, a list of directory names is displayed on the LCD 15 (YES in decision 201 → process 202). Wait until a directory is selected (NO loop of decision 203). When the user selects a directory for a color still image as a file reading target, the file names of the files existing in the directory are displayed in a list on the LCD 15 (YES in decision 203 → processing 204), and the file is selected. (NO loop of decision 205). Note that the number of file names that can be displayed at the same time is determined in advance, and when the number of existing files exceeds the predetermined value, the file names are sequentially displayed by a scroll operation. When the user selects a file name of “design material 1” from among these, the application program opens a management file in the color still image directory, and whether the same file name for the user exists in this file data. It is checked whether or not (YES in decision 205 → processing 206 → judgment 207). If it exists, the file attribute information of all the files in which “design material 1” is registered as the user file name is displayed on the display (YES in determination 207 → processing 208). An example of this display is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the attribute information of two files having the same file name is displayed. When the user points to one of these display areas, the selected file is read and a color still image is displayed on the CRT 19 (YES in decision 209 → processing 210). If no file having the same user file name exists, the content of the selected file is displayed (reproduced) as it is (NO at decision 207 → processing 210). Although the case of a color still image has been described as the file media type, the output destination of the file data read out differs depending on the media type. For example, in the case of audio data, the output destination is the speech power 11.
[0039]
  As described above, when the file name for the user selected for reading is assigned to a plurality of files, the file attribute information of the files is displayed on the display. Therefore, the user can easily read out the target file.
[0040]
  Next, when the user registers a new file (claims)1 and the second means of claim 4Will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0041]
  When an operation for registering a color still image displayed on the CRT 19 is performed, a screen for selecting a directory for saving a file is displayed (YES in determination 301 → processing 302). When a color still image directory is selected, a user file name and file attribute information input screen is displayed (YES in decision 303 → processing 304). Here, when “design material 1” is entered as the file name, “user A” as the registrant name, and “new car X” as the keyword, the management file in the color still image directory is opened and this file is opened. It is checked whether or not the input data set exists in the data (processing 305 → decision 306). If it already exists, a message prompting the user to change the file name or file attribute information is displayed, and the file is returned to the input screen without registering (YES in decision 306 → processing 307 → processing 304). . Here, when the keyword is changed to “new car Z”, it is checked whether or not the input data set exists in the file data of the management file in the same manner as described above (processing 305 → decision 306). If not, a system file name is generated and the input data set is additionally registered in the management file in the color still image directory (NO in decision 306 → process 308). Then, encoding processing of the color still image displayed on the CRT 19 is executed, and the compressed data is written in the generated file (processing 309).
[0042]
  As described above, when a set of a user file name and file attribute information input when a user newly registers a file is already attached to another file, the file attribute information is Since the change is urged, the same file attribute information is not given to a plurality of files having the same user file name. Therefore, the convenience of the file registration operation is improved.
[0043]
  Next, the claim3 and claim 6 (fourth means)Embodiments of the invention described in the above will be described.
[0044]
  By the way, in the case of a video conference apparatus, the seat position of each participant is stored before starting communication, and the participant's seat position is designated by specifying the participant name when moving the direction of the TV camera 17. Conventionally, a method of automatically moving the direction in the direction of is provided. When using this function, it is necessary to register each participant's name and seat position in pairs before starting the conference communication. Here, if the name of the person who uses the video conference apparatus is registered in advance when this apparatus is installed, it is not necessary to register the name for each meeting, which is highly convenient. The list of names is sorted and displayed so that the names can be easily searched. This name registration / retrieval means can facilitate the registration of the seat position. In the present embodiment, the name registered in advance is used. Further, if a keyword that is file attribute information is written in the ROM 3 in advance, the file registration operation can be facilitated. That is, a general-purpose keyword predicted to be registered as file attribute information is selected and written in the ROM 3 in advance.
[0045]
  A file registration operation using the above-mentioned pre-registered name and pre-stored keyword will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0046]
  When an operation for registering a color still image displayed on the CRT 19 is performed, a screen for selecting a directory in which a file is stored is displayed (YES in determination 401 → processing 402). When a color still image directory is selected, a user file name and file attribute information input screen is displayed (YES in decision 403 → processing 404). At this point, if you point the registrant name, which is the attribute information, with the pen and point the cursor at the position with the pen, you can point the menu icon of the “Name List” with the pen. The list of registered names is sorted and displayed on the LCD 15 (YES in decision 405 → processing 406). When the user selects his / her name from the list, the character string is displayed at the registrant name input position (YES in decision 407 → processing 408). In addition, when the input position of a keyword as attribute information is pointed with a pen, and the cursor is displayed at that position, when the menu icon of “Keyword List” is pointed with a pen, the keywords stored in the ROM 3 are sorted in advance. Are displayed on the LCD 15 (NO in decision 405 or processing 408 → YES in decision 409 → processing 410).
[0047]
  When the user selects one of these, the character string is displayed at the keyword input position (YES in decision 411 → processing 412). When the user file name and appropriately selected file attribute information are input and the execution key is pressed, a system file name is generated, and the input user file name and attribute information are written to the management file. At the same time, the compressed color still image data is written in the generated file (YES in decision 413 → processing 414 → processing 415).
[0048]
  As described above, when registering a registrant name as file attribute information, the user name already registered by the user name registration means is used, and when registering a keyword as file attribute information, it is already stored. Since the keyword is used, the file attribute information registration operation is facilitated, and the burden on the user can be reduced.
[0049]
  In the above description, an operation that handles a color still image file has been described, but other media files, that is, audio, moving image, facsimile image, and drawing image files are processed in the same manner.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention,Consists of non-hierarchical directoriesIn the file management method and apparatus of a file system, a file name for a user registered by a user and a file name for a system used by the file system to perform file operations are assigned to one file, The system file name assigns a unique file name to each file, while the user file name allows the same user file name to be registered for a plurality of files and the user. When file names are registered for a plurality of files, the file attribute information is used to identify the files, so that the same user file names can be registered for the plurality of files. Therefore, even if the file name for the user input when registering the file is already registered in another file, it is not necessary to change the file name, and there is an effect that the file name as desired by the user can be set. . In particular, when the number of files increases, the number of similar file names increases and the naming of file names becomes troublesome, but this troublesomeness can be eliminated. In addition, when a set of a user file name and file attribute information input when a user newly registers a file is already attached to another file, the file attribute information is given to the user. Therefore, the same file attribute information is not given to a plurality of files having the same user file name, and the convenience of file registration operation is improved.
[0051]
  Furthermore, claim 2Claim 5According to the described invention, the claim 1, Claim 4File management method described inAnd its deviceIf the file name for the user selected for reading is assigned to a plurality of files, the file attribute information of those files is displayed on the display, and Since the file is read by the user selecting one of, Claim 4In addition to the above effect, the user can easily read out the target file.
[0052]
  Claims3, Claim 6According to the described invention, the claim 1, Claim 4 or claim 2, claim 5File management method describedAnd its deviceIf you have a function to register multiple user names and keywords, when registering registrant names and keywords as file attribute information in a newly created file, you can enter registrant names and keywords. In claim 1, since any one of a plurality of user names and keywords registered in advance using the registration function is selected and input., Claim 4 or claim 2, claim 5In addition to the above effect, the file attribute information can be easily registered and the burden on the user can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a multimedia communication conference apparatus to which a file management method according to each invention of the present application is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a protocol configuration of a communication protocol of the multimedia communication conference apparatus.
[Fig. 3]BookRegistration operation in the embodiment(Corresponds to the first half of claim 1 and the first means of claim 4)The flowchart which shows.
FIG. 4 is a view showing the contents of a management file in the embodiment.
[Figure 5]BookRead operation of embodiment(Corresponding to the second means of claim 2 and claim 5)The flowchart which shows.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a display example of file attribute information in the embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows a case where a user newly registers a file (claim)1 and the second means of claim 4FIG.
FIG. 8 is a file registration operation using a pre-registered name and a pre-stored keyword.3 and the fourth means of claim 6FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the continuation of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 System bus
  2 System controller
  3 ROM
  4 RAM
  5 Encoding / Decoding Unit
  7 Hard disk devices
  8 Communication control unit
  12 Touch panel controller
  13 Touch panel
  14 LCD display controller
  15 LCD
  16 video codec
  17 TV camera
  18 CRT display controller
  19 CRT
  20 still image codec
  21 Document Camera
  23 Scanner
  25 Printer

Claims (6)

In a file management method for a file system consisting of directories without a hierarchical structure ,
For each file, a user file name registered by the user and a system file name used by the file system to perform file operations are assigned, and the system file name is duplicated for each file. The user file name can be registered for a plurality of files, and the same user file name can be registered for a plurality of files. To identify the file using file attribute information,
When a set of a user file name and file attribute information input when a user newly registers a file is already attached to another file, the file attribute information is changed for the user. File management method characterized by prompting.   When the file name for user of the file selected by the user is assigned to a plurality of files, the file attribute information of these files is displayed on the display, and one of these is displayed. 2. The file management method according to claim 1, wherein the file is read by the user selecting one of them.   When registering a registrant name or keyword as file attribute information in a newly created file, if you have a function to register multiple user names or keywords, 3. The file management method according to claim 1, wherein any one of a plurality of user names and keywords registered in advance using the registration function is selected and input. In a file management device for a file system consisting of directories without a hierarchical structure ,
For each file, a user file name registered by the user and a system file name used by the file system to perform file operations are assigned, and the system file name is duplicated for each file. The user file name can be registered for a plurality of files, and the same user file name can be registered for a plurality of files. If so, a first means for identifying the file using the file attribute information;
When a set of a user file name and file attribute information input when a user newly registers a file is already attached to another file, the file attribute information is changed for the user. And a second means for prompting the user.   When the file name for user of the file selected by the user is assigned to a plurality of files, the file attribute information of these files is displayed on the display, and one of these is displayed. 5. The file management apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising third means for reading a file by selecting one of them.   When registering a registrant name or keyword as file attribute information in a newly created file, if you have a function to register multiple user names or keywords, 6. The file management according to claim 4, further comprising a fourth means for selecting and inputting an arbitrary one of a plurality of user names and keywords registered in advance using the registration function. apparatus.

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